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Mayor Hoffmeister: Concord, California, to Recognize Random Acts of Kindness

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

DARYN KAGAN, CNN ANCHOR: We move out to California for our next story, where there is a, of course, saying that no good deed every goes unpunished.

But in Concord, California, some good deeds are garnering some special recognition. People living in Concord can nominate anyone who they think has performed a random act of kindness. The due gooder can win a letter of accommodation from the city council.

Joining us now on the phone from Concord, who -- we should say this is the East Bay, just east of San Francisco -- we have Mayor Laura Hoffmeister.

Madame Mayor, good morning. Thanks for joining us.

LAURA HOFFMEISTER, MAYOR, CONCORD, CALIFORNIA: Well, thank you. Good morning.

KAGAN: Now, tell us where this idea comes from.

HOFFMEISTER: Actually, it came from our city's human relations commission, as part of their annual work plan that the city council works with them on developing. So it was something that's been on this year's work plan, and it kicks off this spring.

KAGAN: So, you -- have you heard of any random acts of kindness so far?

HOFFMEISTER: Well, there have probably been a couple, but we haven't had any official nominations yet. We do have a nomination. Four more people can fill out the nomination and they can send it into the city, and we can appropriately recognize the individuals.

KAGAN: And that will be with a letter or...

HOFFMEISTER: Right. We'll be sending a letter to them and also add a council meeting, either recognizing them, either verbally, or if they wanted to attend, we can recognize that.

And the unique thing about this program is instead of just, in some cities you do it, one time a year, this would be an ongoing program, happening throughout the year as those acts of kindness or events come to our attention. KAGAN: Now, Mayor, as a native Californian myself, I can hear what some people across the country are saying: Listen to those California people, all into feeling good and happy feelings, when -- don't they have problems in that city they need to address and spend their time and attention on?

HOFFMEISTER: Well, we obviously do have a lot of challenges. And as with many communities, that this is an opportunity for us to focus on the positive things that happen in the community.

And no offense, but a lot of times, the press does seem to dwell on the negative. And this the way for us to recognize those individuals that contribute in our community and provide a positive element to our community.

KAGAN: Well, tell you what, Mayor. But just to show you that we want to be a part of something positive, when you get it up and going in the spring time, we'll have you back. And why don't you also bring along with you some of the folks who are going to be honored?

HOFFMEISTER: Oh, absolutely. We'll be honored to do that.

KAGAN: Then we can spread the positive word, as well.

HOFFMEISTER: Yes.

KAGAN: OK, very good, Mayor Laura Hoffmeister from Concord, California.

They will be our "Recognizing Random Acts of Kindness" in that city ahead. We can be part of the solution, not just the problem.

HOFFMEISTER: There you go.

LEON HARRIS, CNN ANCHOR: I am with you on that.

KAGAN: Yes.

HARRIS: I'm with you on that.

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